Summary
Introduction to Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a sprawling Moorish-style mansion and surrounding complex located on the California coast. Between 1919 and 1947, it served as the residence of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and in 1954, it was transformed into a California State Park. The estate features 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways, alongside three large guesthouses and the magnificent main mansion, which is adorned with Spanish and Italian antiques. Historically, Hearst Castle boasted a private movie theater, a zoo, tennis courts, and two stunning swimming pools, making it a hotspot for lavish parties and celebrity guests.
Tours of Hearst Castle
You can purchase tickets for Hearst Castle tours at the castle visitor center or reserve online at Reserve California. The visitor center is located at the base of the hill, while the castle sits at the summit. The only way to fully experience the grandeur of the estate is through a guided tour, which typically lasts about two hours. All tours encompass the Greco-Roman style Neptune Pool outdoors and the indoor Roman Pool, which is beautifully adorned with cobalt blue Venetian glass and shimmering gold tiles. Other unique tours include:
- Hearst Castle Evening Tour: This evening experience brings the mansion to life with tour guides dressed in 1930s attire, offering insights that evoke the essence of Mr. Hearst and his friends.
- Hearst Castle at Christmas: While there are no events during the holidays, the castle is beautifully decorated and is typically less crowded than in the summer months.
- Designing the Dream: This tour delves into the construction history of the castle, showcasing its development from the 1920s to the 1940s, including the Casa del Sol guest house and the north wing of the main house.
Tips on Visiting Hearst Castle
Before embarking on your visit to this National Historic Landmark, consider the following essential tips, especially if you’re bringing children:
- The Hearst Castle Theater features a 40-minute show that provides an engaging overview of the castle’s history, complementing the site tour effectively.
- The Hearst Castle app offers in-depth historical insights and alerts you to significant points of interest nearby. It also helps you prioritize must-see attractions before your visit. Given that WiFi is slow at the visitor center, it’s advisable to download this app beforehand.
- Children may find the castle less intriguing. Strollers are not permitted on tours, and numerous antiques and artworks are present that should not be touched.
- In summer, temperatures at the castle’s summit can be significantly higher (up to 30 degrees) than those at the visitor center. Prepare by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bringing plenty of water.
- Expect larger crowds and longer wait times during the summer months, so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Hearst Castle is conveniently situated between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it accessible via multiple driving routes. The most scenic option is to take Highway 1 along the California coastline; however, please check in advance with CalTrans for any road closures. Winter rains and mudslides can lead to closures of this beautiful highway into the summer season. For real-time updates, you can call CalTrans toll-free at 1-800-427-7623 or visit their website.
Traveling from San Francisco to Hearst Castle via Highway 101 and Highway 46 takes approximately six hours. If you opt for a scenic drive on Highway 1 from San Francisco, anticipate around eight hours’ travel time, making it ideal for a long weekend with potential stops in picturesque Monterey.
From Los Angeles, the journey takes roughly six hours using Highway 101 and Highway 1. Driving from San Diego via Interstate 5 North to Interstate 405 and onto Highway 101 will increase your travel time to about eight hours.
